'Absolute frenzy' as Ontarians face long lines to get free COVID-19 rapid tests
CBC
Ontarians came out in droves on Thursday, hoping to get access to free COVID-19 rapid tests being given out as part of the province's holiday test blitz.
In a bid to get a handle on the Omicron variant, the government said Wednesday it would begin giving out free rapid antigen tests at pop-up sites around the province, including malls and libraries, as well as at some LCBO stores.
Those who went early to Thursday's pop-up locations were met with long lineups.
"I don't mind waiting in line," said Alison Smyth from her spot in line at Yorkdale Mall in Toronto.
"However long it takes, I just want to get it," she said, explaining the tests will make her feel better about getting together with family over the holidays.
Dan Jelly in Hamilton, Ont. had high hopes as well, lining up outside the Dundurn Castle landmark. But once he got there, he but was told the site had run out of kits in less than half an hour.
The list of pop-up locations can be found on this website.
As for LCBO stores, the government says that once the locations are confirmed they will also be listed on the same site, which will be updated weekly.
As the scramble to find kits begins, a Twitter account created by Dr. Dalia Hasan from Kitchener-Waterloo aims to help people figure out where to go.
Called C19TestFinders, the account already has nearly 10,000 followers.
By early afternoon, it was reporting that all but one of the test distribution sites had run out of kits.
In an interview with the CBC on Thursday, Hasan said there's been an "absolute frenzy" to scoop up the tests in Ontario.
"Within half an hour, the test kits are gone," said Hasan.
Hasan said that the government should have mailed out kits to anyone who wants one instead of going the pop-up route, pointing out many people can't go to the sites because they are working.
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